In the ever-evolving world of Apple’s iPad lineup, the iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2 stand out as two compelling options for those seeking a powerful and versatile tablet experience. Both devices boast impressive capabilities, but key differences in performance, display technology, and additional features set them apart. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and priorities. Apple’s iPad lineup includes two powerful options: the iPad Pro and iPad Air. While these tablets share many features, they also have key differences. Choosing between them depends on your needs and budget.
The iPad Pro is Apple’s top-tier tablet. It comes in two sizes and packs the most advanced tech. The iPad Air is a more affordable option that still offers great performance for most users. It now comes in two sizes like the Pro but costs less.
Both tablets support Apple Pencil and keyboard accessories. This makes them useful for work and creative tasks. The main differences are in the display, processor and camera features.
Key Differences: iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2
| Feature | iPad Pro M4 | iPad Air M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M4 | Apple M2 |
| Display | Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology 120Hz refresh rate Up to 1600 nits peak brightness (HDR) | Liquid Retina display 60Hz refresh rate Up to 500 nits peak brightness |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| RAM | 8GB (128GB, 256GB, 512GB models) 16GB (1TB, 2TB models) | 8GB |
| Cameras | 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide rear cameras 12MP TrueDepth front camera with Center Stage | 12MP Wide rear camera 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage |
| Audio | Four-speaker audio system | Two-speaker audio system |
| Connectivity | Thunderbolt / USB 4 | USB-C with USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Touch ID (integrated into the top button) |
| Other Features | LiDAR Scanner 5G cellular option (on cellular models) Apple Pencil hover support | 5G cellular option (on cellular models) |
Performance and Display: A Closer Look
The M4 chip in the iPad Pro offers a significant performance boost over the M2 in the iPad Air. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and improved handling of demanding tasks like video editing and 3D modeling.
The iPad Pro’s Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion is another standout feature. Its 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel incredibly smooth and responsive, while the high peak brightness and wide color gamut deliver stunning visuals.
Choosing the Right iPad: Pro or Air?
If you’re a power user who needs the absolute best performance, the most advanced display, and all the bells and whistles, the iPad Pro M4 is the clear choice. However, if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile tablet for everyday tasks, the iPad Air M2 offers excellent value and still delivers a fantastic user experience.
Additional Considerations
Other factors to consider when choosing between the two include storage options, camera capabilities, audio quality, connectivity options, and biometric authentication methods. The iPad Pro offers more storage options, a more versatile camera system, a superior audio experience, faster connectivity with Thunderbolt, and the convenience of Face ID.
The Bottom Line
Both the iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2 are exceptional tablets, each catering to slightly different needs and budgets. The iPad Pro is the ultimate powerhouse, while the iPad Air strikes a balance between performance, features, and affordability.
Key Takeaways
- iPad Pro has more advanced features but costs more than iPad Air
- Both tablets support Apple Pencil and keyboards for productivity
- iPad Air offers great performance at a lower price point
Design and Display
The iPad Pro and iPad Air have different looks and screens. These tablets have unique features that set them apart.
Aesthetics and Build Quality
The iPad Pro has a sleek design with flat edges. It comes in Silver and Space Gray. The iPad Air has a similar look but offers more colors like Blue Purple and Starlight. Both tablets have metal bodies that feel strong and well-made. The Pro is a bit thicker and heavier than the Air. This gives it a more premium feel. The Air is lighter which makes it easier to hold for long periods.
Screen Technology
The iPad Pro boasts a Liquid Retina XDR display. This screen uses Mini-LED tech for better contrast and brighter images. It also has ProMotion which makes scrolling smoother at 120Hz. The Air has a standard Liquid Retina display. While not as advanced it still offers great color and sharpness. Both iPads have True Tone which adjusts the screen to match the lighting around you. The Pro’s screen is better for tasks that need high image quality like photo editing or watching HDR videos.
Performance and Accessories
The iPad Pro and iPad Air differ in their power and add-on options. These differences impact how each tablet works and what you can do with it.
Hardware Capabilities
The iPad Pro uses the M4 chip while the iPad Air has the M2 chip. This means the Pro is faster and can handle tougher tasks. The Pro also has more memory options up to 16GB. The Air tops out at 8GB.
For storage the Pro offers up to 2TB while the Air maxes at 256GB. Both tablets have fast Wi-Fi 6 and can connect to 5G networks. The Pro’s USB-C port supports Thunderbolt and USB 4 for quicker data transfer. The Air’s port is USB 3.1 Gen 2 which is slower but still fast.
Battery life is similar on both models lasting about 10 hours. The Pro has better speakers with four instead of two on the Air. It also has Face ID for unlocking while the Air uses Touch ID in the power button.
Enhancements and Compatibilities
Both iPads work with the Apple Pencil 2nd gen. The Pro has a cool hover feature that lets you see where you’ll draw before touching the screen. This helps with precision.
The Pro has a Lidar scanner for better augmented reality apps. Its cameras are also better for photos and video calls.
Both tablets can use the Magic Keyboard which adds a trackpad. This makes them feel more like laptops. The Pro connects to more external displays at higher resolutions than the Air.
For most tasks both iPads are great. But if you need the most power or want all the extras the Pro is the way to go.
FAQs
Is there much difference between iPad Pro and iPad Air?
Yes, there are notable differences between the iPad Pro and iPad Air. The iPad Pro boasts a more powerful M4 chip, a superior Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, more storage options, additional RAM for demanding tasks, a more versatile camera system, a richer audio experience, faster Thunderbolt connectivity, and the convenience of Face ID. The iPad Air, while still a capable device, offers a balance of performance and affordability with its M2 chip and standard Liquid Retina display.
What is special about the iPad Pro?
The iPad Pro stands out with its cutting-edge features, making it the pinnacle of Apple’s tablet lineup. It boasts the powerful M4 chip, delivering unmatched performance for demanding tasks. The Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion offers an exceptional visual experience with its high refresh rate, stunning brightness, and wide color gamut. Additional features like the LiDAR Scanner, Thunderbolt connectivity, and Face ID further enhance its capabilities and appeal.
What are the disadvantages of iPad Air?
While the iPad Air is a fantastic tablet, it does have a few limitations compared to the iPad Pro. Its M2 chip, while powerful, doesn’t match the raw performance of the M4. The standard Liquid Retina display lacks the ProMotion technology and high peak brightness of the iPad Pro’s XDR display. Additionally, the iPad Air offers fewer storage options, less RAM, a simpler camera system, and lacks features like the LiDAR Scanner and Thunderbolt connectivity.
What does the iPad Pro do that the iPad Air doesn’t?
The iPad Pro offers several capabilities that the iPad Air doesn’t. It delivers superior performance with its M4 chip, provides a more immersive visual experience with its Liquid Retina XDR display and ProMotion, offers more storage and RAM options, includes a more versatile camera system with an additional rear camera, provides a richer audio experience with four speakers, offers faster Thunderbolt connectivity, and features Face ID for convenient and secure authentication.
Is there a new iPad coming out in 2024?
The latest iPad models released were the iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2, both launched in May 2024. While there’s always speculation about future releases, Apple has not officially announced any new iPad models for the remainder of 2024. It’s expected that we could see a new iPad Mini (7th gen) and iPad (11th gen) later this year, but it’s advisable to stay tuned to Apple’s official announcements and reliable tech news sources for any updates on potential new iPad releases.
Is it worth getting an iPad Air?
Absolutely, the iPad Air is a worthwhile investment for many users. It offers a powerful M2 chip, a beautiful Liquid Retina display, and a range of features that cater to everyday tasks, productivity, and entertainment. It strikes an excellent balance between performance, features, and affordability, making it an attractive option for those seeking a versatile and capable tablet without the premium price tag of the iPad Pro.
Is 64 GB on an iPad enough?
Whether 64 GB of storage is enough on an iPad depends largely on your usage patterns. If you primarily use your iPad for basic tasks like web browsing, email, social media, and streaming videos, 64 GB might suffice. However, if you plan to store a lot of photos, videos, music, games, or large files, or if you frequently use demanding apps for creative work, you might find 64 GB limiting. In such cases, it’s advisable to consider a higher storage option to ensure you have ample space for your needs.
